In 1997, the US Environmental Protection Agency made a strong endorsement of decentralized wastewater treatment systems as a rational option for meeting sewer needs and protecting water supplies. States, including West Virginia, have followed suit with such endorsements. According to Ed Winant of the National Environmental Service Center and former EPA officer, the number one barrier to the proliferation of decentralized wastewater treatment facilities is public misperception. Therefore, this short summary is intended to provide a current overview of the secondary wastewater treatment facility located within Cacapon South subdivision and clear up any misperceptions.
The system consists of a recirculating sand filter system and two (2) lift stations designed and fabricated by ASCHO-A-CORPORATION, and collection & distribution lines consisting of variable grade 4" diameter schedule 40 CPVC pipe that can services approximately 140 homes. However, the WV Dept. of Environmental Protection has issued to Cacapon South a Waste Load Allocation of 38,000 G.P.D. that permits up to 190 homes. The recirculation system, lines, and lift stations were installed by and under the direction of technicians from ASHCO-A-CORPORATION.
The operation of the system is simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly. All waste from the home travels through a 4" drain-waste pipe to the holding tank installed on each lot by the builder. This tank is a specially designed holding tank with an affluent filter that prevents cloth or other heavy materials from entering and damaging the systems pumps. A representative of MDG Companies inspects the tank and filter when the builder installs it. All solids are held in the tank where enzymes will break down most of the solids into affluent. The holding tanks on each lot are inspected annually after the first full year of operation. This inspection includes removing the filter for cleaning and checking for functionality. The level of solids within the tank is measured and recorded. If the level of solids measures above three and a half feet (3' 6"), it is required that the tank be pumped by a contractor at the expense of approximately $100.00 to the homeowner.
Most tanks will need to be pumped once every 5-10 years. The frequency of pumping will vary depending upon how successfully the solids in the tank breakdown. Flushing heavy material and/or using abundant amounts of harsh chemicals will cause solids to build more rapidly. It is not recommended that the tank be pumped when it is not necessary. Unnecessary and frequent pumping of the tank will remove naturally occurring enzymes that help breakdown solid waste in the tank. Neither is it recommended to add enzyme-based products such as Septicare® to speed the breakdown process. It is best to allow the naturally occurring enzymes to do their job.
The liquid affluent will pass through the filter installed in the holding tank and enter the distribution lines that feed to the sand filter system. Once the liquid affluent reaches the sand filter system, it is mixed with clear water diluting the affluent. This mix is then filtered and re-filtered through a periodic recirculation process. The affluent and water mix passes approximately 12 to 15 times through special, charcoal-like sand known as black beauty sand. This process removes any contaminants from the affluent mix making it clear water. Once the affluent is made clear water, this water is chlorinated to kill any germs or bacteria that may have survived the recirculation process. Before being discharged, the chlorinated water is dechlorinated to protect the stream. The discharge from the system is clear, clean water that significantly exceeds EPA criteria. Consequently, the recirculating sand filter system has received high accolades from the Fresh Water Institute, the National Environmental Services Center, and the Canaan Valley Institute. In fact, Paul Ashburn, President of Ashco-A-Corporation was one of the key note speakers at a West Virginia "sewage summit" held in October to address ways to approach better wastewater treatment.
Prior to installation and operation, the Cacapon South system designs and specifications were reviewed and approved by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Water Resource Management, and the Office of Environmental Health Services. Permits were issued from each regulatory agency.
The Warm Springs Public Service District provides the personnel to operate and maintain the system including the quarterly tests for discharge monitoring that are reported to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Frequent inspections are also made by MDG staff for the purpose of visual inspection, cleaning cells of leaves and grasses, and checking and cleaning the sprinkler heads. Lift stations are checked at the same time. All pumps are equipped with both visual and audio alarms in the event of a failure of any pump or system. There are two (2) pumps working in tandum in each of the lift stations and four (4) pumps operate in the recirculation tanks. If a pump is disabled, the second pump takes over. A replacement pump can be placed in service within a matter of hours.